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Category Archives: cape

I knew as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a perfect match – AND IT IS!!!! Can you believe it – my grandmother’s 1940’s seal cape passed down to me, now with a matching hat. A professional furrier could probably see the difference somewhere, but it surely isn’t obvious. I’ve loved this cape for years.

The hat is a quasi-military shape, which was popular during war-time. The fur on both is absolutely beautiful and has held up so well over all these years. I always love the 1940’s square shoulders, too, and the family connection makes the cape special. What a treat to find a piece to go with it!!!

Although you know that I am an animal protection activist and don’t support the fur trade in any way, shape or form, I do love old pieces pre-1965. There’s no reason in the world to buy modern fur anymore – if you want a new piece, the imitations are fabulous (even beginning in the 1950’s).

It’s not as fine as a couple others I have, but just as wonderful with the big shoulders, pockets, arm slits and silky lining. Very good condition, too – just a little wear to the fur along the seams here and there. I’ll be able to wear it more casually than I would my others.

Some woman who didn’t have the money then for a more expensive fur enjoyed the glamour of that time in spite of the Depression and looming war. By a furrier in Winnipeg, the animals whose pelts were taken would have been trapped in the midst of Canada’s woodland and prairie country and might have represented the livelihood of some rural family. As much as I reject the modern fur trade, the hardships of those times were real.

As it is, I can enjoy this antique piece, too, and wear it until it’s done. Today, faux fur pieces have become so sophisticated and beautifully-made that there’s no reason to support the fur trade. Cherish the old furs for their bygone charisma and say good-bye forever to animal cruelty.

discover this little gem! It’s a capelet that may be from Victorian or Edwardian times – maybe someone planned to take it on the Titanic voyage!!! (From the looks of it, maybe it went on the Titanic voyage). It’s so old that many theories and stories about it’s history could be possible. Some woman wore this covering her shoulders over a dress. It might have been an evening gown, a day-dress or mourning dress – maybe a costume specialist could tell.

Manufactured trim with antique beads is sewn around the neck and the hem of the capelet. So many hand-stitches!

As you can see, the outer layer of fabric is in tatters, but the black, silky lining is pristine. If the cape were flipped inside out, the beading trim removed and transferred to the other side with a replacement liner made it would be almost new again! Even though non-sewers might think so, it’s not a big job.

Just amazing. I haven’t decided whether I will want to restore it and wear it, sell it to another collector or donate it to a theater or museum. As always, it just goes to show that – you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..

I’m appreciating the crisp transitional temperatures and rain right now, even though it seems cold for May!
I know many people are experiencing this all over the world. Makes me want to show my wonderful capes, which are great for this type of weather.

From the 1960’s, one is in always-wonderful-red kind-of traditional/military style and the other a blue & green reversible paisley pattern with an open front and decorative string tie.

Like a bright hat, either of these makes a big impression on the street. Both are wool, so provide warmth while the loose fit keeps it from being too hot and can be worn over just about anything. Just right!

More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot. By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before! It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.

What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?

Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas. Perfect condition, and in my size. What could be better? It’s definitely a keeper. Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.

When Spring is springing (or almost) I really like to get into the true navy blue and white and nautical themes that have been classic styles of this season for decades and decades. In this case, the classic double-breasted jacket with a twist – cape styling(!) and a little military feel.

A cute little sailor-style hat would look so great with this (true vintage, of course). Imagine it with skirts, sheath dresses, slacks, jeans, leggings – a true vintage classic can go with all of them, ups the style quotient and lasts for decades because of its high quality.

In this case, there’s wool warmth, too. Much appreciated this year! I’ve loved my vintage military pea jacket for winter, but now it’s time for a change. Perfect outerwear to bridge the seasons from cold to cool in fashionable elegance, with a lighter, brighter feel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM